By Amy Musgrave
The African National Congress (ANC) has called for calm following the recent shooting of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s convoy.
“The ANC strongly condemns any actions that seek to undermine the security of the leadership or destabilise the constitutional order. We call for calm and vigilance, and reiterate our confidence in the ongoing investigation,” ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said on Wednesday.
“We will await its final outcome before offering any further comment.”
The convoy was shot at near Boksburg on the N12 around three weeks ago. The attack occurred as Mashatile was en route home following an ANC national executive committee meeting.
On Tuesday night, national police commissioner General Fanie Masemola confirmed the shooting, however, said that Mashatile and President Cyril Ramaphosa were not in harm’s way and that their security detail had been enhanced.
He also said that the ballistics report had been completed and there were ongoing threat assessments by crime intelligence.
“These efforts affirm the seriousness with which our security agencies protect the national executive and safeguard our democratic institutions. The ANC is further reassured by confirmation that both the president and the deputy president remain under the capable protection of the Presidential Protection Service, with the necessary reinforcements effected,” Bhengu-Motsiri said in a statement.
The party commended Mashatile for continuing to work.
“We commend the deputy president for continuing to carry out his duties with calm resolve and steadfast commitment. His poise in the face of this incident is testament to the maturity and discipline required of national leadership,” the statement read.
Mashatile’s spokesperson Keith Khoza told the media on Tuesday that they were not going to speculate who was behind the shooting and why.
Meanwhile, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula told reporters in Kimberley that Mashatile had not briefed the party yet on the incident and the ANC was looking forward to a comprehensive report from his office.
“We note the media reports and we are very concerned about what has been purported as an assassination by some, and others an attack. It’s not clearer as to what these activities were about.
“We want to caution leaders and members of the ANC that whenever situations like this occur, it is not appropriate for everyone to speak… and don’t impose yourselves as spokespersons of the organisation,” he said.
He appealed to members to leave the matter in the hands of the police.
The party is holding its provincial conference, which will see the election of new leaders.
INSIDE POLITICS
